Freight Trained by Sarah Curtis
Romance Contemporary/Suspense
July 13, 2016
Self Published
Reviewed by Tori
Favorite Quote: “You’re the light to my dark, without you I’m blind, but with you I see.”
Abigail O’Neal (Abby) has just moved to Jasper Falls from L.A. to take a position at the local high school. An intelligent abit awkward overachiever, Abby is looking to reinvent herself and finally have the friends and social life she’s always wanted. When her grandparent’s left her their house in their will, Abby realizes her chance has finally arrived and seizes it with both hands. When she lays eyes on the sexiest man she’s ever seen at the local diner her first day in town, Abby is both thrilled and scandalized by the weight of her attraction. Convinced she has no chance with someone like him, Abby is shocked when he rescues her from her roof and shows considerable interest in her.
Former rodeo star Coleman Garrison (Cole) has spent his life running from a tragic past. Convinced he brings nothing but pain and death to those he loves, he now spends his time holed up on his ranch, choosing his horses over people. Rough around the edges with a take charge attitude in all aspects of his life, Cole does it all but give away his heart. But when he first sees Abby, he knows she may be the one to change him forever. Determined to not taint her with his darkness, Cole tries to avoid her but when she enters into his territory with a thank you gift, all bets are off.
As the past struggles to repeat itself, Cole will have to overcome his guilt if he wants to ensure his and Abby’s future.
Freight Trained by Sarah Curtis is a stand alone romance contemporary with a low-key suspenseful subplot. I read her Alluring series last year and enjoyed it overall. Her romances are straightforward and steamy with some mild suspense. This one follows a similar path. Engaging dialogue and a steady pace that flows easily, Curtis builds a sweet and sexy romance between a rough alpha cowboy and a shy innocent schoolteacher. Though the overall storyline remains fairly predictable, the narrative and romance is entertaining and humorous, with a sensual overtone as Cole sets out to educate Abby to all the sexual delights he is determined to give her and proceeds to fall head over heels in love. Hence the term-freight trained.
“I don’t deserve you, but damn if I’m not going to keep you anyway.”
The book opens up to an intriguing scene of mystery. A woman is kidnapped and we see the scene evolve through her eyes. The reader know nothing of what is happening nor the characters involved but it sets the stage for what is to come. Curtis then flips to the present day and introduces us to our hero and heroine, Cole Garrison and Abby O’Neal.
Opposite attraction can be quite a mischievous and fun trope in romance, especially when one of the protagonists is initially reluctant and growly about it. Curtis does a wonderful job of showcasing the characters’ differences, giving them time to get to know one another while developing the romance. The slow build contrasts with the instantaneous chemistry that ignites between them at first sight. Curtis definitely doesn’t skimp on the foreplay, using it to highlight the sexual tension that permeates the story. Cole’s naturally sensual earthy nature and dirty mouth is certainly a plus as he maneuvers himself into his pretty school teacher’s bed and life. *wink*
“…And on the best note, she learned a new number, 69, the night before.”
I enjoyed getting to know Cole and Abby together and individually. Cole is an alpha male to the core but there is a humility to him that helps to soften his forceful personality. He knows his faults and acknowledges them. Abby is his direct opposite but she isn’t a pushover. A healthy sense of curiosity helps to shove aside her fear of the unknown, allowing her the courage to stand up for herself when the need arises and to voice her own desires. Cole doesn’t push Abby into her sexuality but rather coaxes it, giving her time to accept and welcome the changes in her life. Abby in return grows in both personality and spirit, coming to accept her awkwardness and moving beyond it. Some minor relationship conflicts appear but all are handled relatively quickly and with no extreme drama or drag time.
“Now, let me clear up any confusion. Last night you became mine. I claimed you in front of your girls. That kiss sealed the deal. So to answer your question, there is no you and me, we are now an us.”
The mystery remains in the background with Curtis giving us little clues and tidbits towards the villain. It integrates naturally into the storyline; not as the main focus but not as an afterthought either. I admit Curtis kept me wondering as she reveals multiple suspects, never revealing her hand till almost the end. There were a couple of scenes I wish had fleshed out better-we come in hard on them and then just as quickly we leave without any real understanding as to the dynamics or reasoning behind them.
A handful of secondary characters are used to prop up the protagonists, helping to give them a more solid definition and evolution from solitary individuals to a couple with full external lives beyond their relationship. I do wish Curtis would have explored the town a little more in depth but as this is a stand alone, that really isn’t an issue. However, she does give us the requisite small-town gossips and gregarious nosey residents.
A nicely plotted epilogue ends this story with the assures that Cole and Abby have indeed been ‘freight trained’ and have found their happily ever after in each other’s arms. If I had one qualm it was Cole calling Abby “little mouse.” It is derogatory, insulting, and annoying, though in romancelandia, I’ve heard way worse.
Grade: B-
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Thanks for sharing a link to my review. Glad you enjoyed Freight Trained. :-)